This talented singer-songwriter-composer was born René Victor Ornelas in Laredo, Texas where he started his musical career at age 14 as a vocalist and trumpet player for his famous father’s popular band – the Mike Ornelas Orchestra. René also plays guitar, keyboards and arranges his own compositions.
René became the first Hispanic artist to record an international bilingual song when he
recorded two worldwide million sellers, “ANGELITO” and “LO MUCHO QUE TE QUIERO.”
As one of the first Hispanics to appear on DICK CLARK’s “AMERICAN BANDSTAND,” the University of Texas in San Antonio graduate was chosen to go on Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars” tour with Diana Ross and the Supremes • The Beach Boys • Fats Domino • Three Dog Night • Jan and Dean, plus many others.
Along the way the 5-foot-10-inch tall, green-eyed artist earned two GOLD RECORDS and a GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD. Besides being a dynamic headline entertainer, René is considered a very prolific songwriter and his compositions have been recorded by stars such as:
Vikki Carr Trini Lopez José Feliciano Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass
Peter Nero Lawrence Welk Pedro Fernández Trio Los Panchos
Pedro Vargas Ray Anthony Marco Antonio Muñiz Little Joe y La Familia
Laura Canales Carlos Guzmán Grupo Mazz plus many others.
Rene’s fame has taken him on tour in Mexico, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan,
Okinawa, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela and virtually the entire United States, where he continues to perform to enthusiastic sell-out crowds.
In view of his many musical accomplishments and achievements, René has received Mexico’s coveted ESTRELLA DE PLATA, a DISCO DE ORO and a GLOBO DE ORO, plus numerous other recognitions. In addition, René has been inducted into the TEJANO MUSIC HALL OF FAME, and the TEJANO ROOTS HALL OF FAME.
As a result, the name RENÉ RENÉ has become a household word in the Latin Hemisphere. However, his fame is not limited to the Hispanic market since he was one of the first Latinos to break into the American market. Therefore, the continued airplay on American oldies radio stations and his continued participation in various “Oldies but Goodies” tours has maintained his international popularity.
A multitude of fans are testimony that the still youthful, appealing and energetic RENÉ RENÉ is now BETTER THAN EVER!